Remembering SGT Gary Eckert.

I wear Sgt Gary Andy Eckerts' bracelet. He was assigned to the 983rd Engineer Battalion, u.S.Army Reserves, Toledo, Ohio. I did not know him personally, But had served in that unit in the past.  Andy left a wonderful wife, Tiphany and two children. I attend fallen heroes funerals with the Patriot Guard Riders. When people see the bracelet and ask if they are POW or something and find out that the bracelat signifys a lost hero. They don't know how to react.

I explain that it is the least I can do at my age to show respect to those who gave their all for us who are back here. Andy was on his second tour in Iraq. He was killed within yards of where he was hit by an IED the first time over..

My wife wears SFC David Hartmans' bracelet. She babysat for him and his siblings a life time ago. The Patriot Guard makes dog tags for the fallen heroes. I wear several of them from funerals I have attended. One day we will hopefully be able to stop going to funerals. But, not soon enough. Time is going to get worse, unfortunately.

Rod Bre